NKOTB's Jonathan Knight walks off stage mid-concert

Apr. 5, 2013
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From left: Jonathan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, Jordan Knight and Danny Wood of New Kids On The Block perform at their '10' Record Release Party at The Orpheum on March 30 in Boston. / Paul Marotta, Getty Images

"I noticed from the front row that Jonathan Knight seemed out of it. While the men started their choreographed dances, Jonathan stood uncomfortably in the background - actually just standing and texting on his phone during the performance."

Longeretta goes on to write that Jonathan rejoined the group after two songs but after another three songs went by - including the classics Step by Step, Hangin' Tough and The Right Stuff - he appeared to forget the lyrics.

Billboard.com reports that the group tried to make Knight, who has been open about past bouts of anxiety, "more at ease," and the guys wrapped their arms around him, but when Jordan announced that his brother would sing on the next song, ballad Survive You from 10, "Jonathan laughed, attempted to sing and then stopped. He made his way off the stage, while the band continued the song, announcing after that Jonathan would return. Fans also chanted his name in encouragement."

Knight took to Twitter later to offer an apology.Thursday night.

His exit happened around 27 minutes into the show.

On Friday's Today show the guys chatted with Hoda Ktob and Kathie Lee Gifford, and Jonathan had no problem talking about his hair -- "Nobody likes my pony tail!" -- and their new album.